An unprecedented, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the airline world, Flying: A Novel traces the lives of two young women: Zoe Longfield, raised in exotic Southeast Asian cities and jungles, and Sally Wilder, from the tobacco lands of the American South. Together they "fly the line" for the world's premier airline beginning in 1970, where they learn that history is not always what it seems, and that living, like flying, takes more courage than they ever imagined. Flying is set in the 1970s, after the passionate idealism of the 1960s had radically altered America's landscape. The new Boeing 747 carried more people than ever before to the great cities of the world, and newly independent nations were fraught with growing pains. The airline setting was a potent symbol of the United States in many countries, and became a target for those with dangerous political grievances. After a cataclysmic terrorist event, Sally learns the true nature of family, heroism and love, and what it really means to be a citizen of the world. Spanning locations around the globe, Flying takes the reader along for the ride, from decadent parties in Africa, to intrigue at misty pagodas in Burma, a searing romance at an archaeological dig in Tahiti, and the heart-rending fall of Saigon. There is buried treasure and government mischief; coups d'etat and movie magic; side-splitting humor and big-wave surfing, and a host of other adventures, as Sally and Zoe are accidental witnesses to the history of the times. An exciting and satisfying read for everyone from an international background, airline employees, pilots, adventurers, armchair travelers and readers nostalgic for that era, Flying will take you on the "trip" of your life. Fasten your seat belts!

Novel